Medical practice

be competent and keep your professional knowledge and skills up to date

take prompt action if you think patient safety is being compromised

establish and maintain good partnerships with your patients and colleagues

maintain trust in you and the profession by being open, honest and acting with integrity.

This guidance is split into four sections which describe the professional values and behaviours we expect from any doctor registered with us. We expect you to use your professional judgement and expertise to apply the principles in this guidance to the various situations you face.

This guidance came into effect 22 April 2013. It was updated on 29 April 2014 to include paragraph 14.1 on doctors' knowledge of the English language.

We help to protect patients and improve medical education and practice in the UK by setting standards for students and doctors. We support them in achieving and exceeding those standards, and take action when they are not met.